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New Prius 2012 Owner

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Ricky B, Oct 29, 2012.

  1. Ricky B

    Ricky B New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2012
    5
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    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I just purchased a 2012 Red Prius Trim 3 with solar roof panel. I am super excited to finally have this car as I have been wanting to start saving money in gas forever.

    My commute is only 14 miles, but about 6 of them are in the City of Chicago trying to get to 94. Five of them on the highway and the remaining off the highway to get to work in the suburbs.

    While I am excited, I find all the gas consumption gauges a bit overwhelming. Is there some kind of simple guide to use when trying to read them?

    Any other tips or suggestions you want to share would be greatly appreciated.
     
  2. schlem

    schlem Polygeek

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2012
    82
    39
    12
    Location:
    Ballard, C@L
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Hi Ricky

    I found this explanation very helpful for maximizing my MPG, or understanding why I fail to hit the 50+ numbers:
    HSI

    More:
    Hobbit's techie-rants All manner of Prius technia
    Graham's Toyota Prius Area 'Nuther Prius enthusiast

    It will quickly train you to drive such that you make the most of your car's efficiency and the terrain. It really is like playing a game in traffic, trying to keep moving, trying to stay in EV mode. All to a rockin Satellite/Pandora/MP3 soundtrack. All of which you will try not to forget when you discover how much fun it is to drive in Power mode.

    Additionally, I find that if I run to the grocery and back (1.5-2 miles), I rarely beat 40 MPG, but if I combine errands and drive farther after the engine is warmed up, I get MUCH better performance. I call it the "I probably should have walked" rule.
     
  3. Ricky B

    Ricky B New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2012
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    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Thank you for your reply, I will definitely be taking a look at this!
     
  4. Selzier

    Selzier Whee!

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Ricky B, schlem and Adam Leibovitch like this.
  5. Wayward

    Wayward Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2012
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    Location:
    Idaho
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Welcome to the collective!
     
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  6. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2009
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    Location:
    Alaska
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Welcome aboard and enjoy the ride. Read that manual over completely... lots of good information in there.
     
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  7. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

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    636 pages [​IMG]

    Mike
     
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  8. Ricky B

    Ricky B New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2012
    5
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    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Thanks for this! It did help!